UNCTAD has introduced the topic of the "creative economy" in the world economic and development agenda.

The creative economy is an emerging concept dealing with the interface between creativity, culture, economics and technology in a contemporary world dominated by images, sounds, texts and symbols.

Today, the creative industries are among the most dynamic sectors in the world economy providing new opportunities for developing countries to leapfrog into emerging high-growth areas of the world economy.

In implementing its mandate, UNCTAD has been proactive in promoting international action in the area of the creative industries, and hence, the creative economy, emphasizing their development dimension.

The creative industries are at the crossroads of the arts, culture, business and technology. All these activities are intensive in creative skills and can generate income through trade and intellectual property rights.

Creative Economy Network. Through the Creative Economy Network, UNCTAD has proactively facilitated the sharing of knowledge and best practices, forging strategic alliances and networking among governments, creators, the business community and the civil society.

UNCTAD has been liaising with academia, artists, creative professionals and civil society to build a network to promote international cooperation, strategic alliances, research exchanges and advocacy. Initially, the network will list a number of partner universities and research centers. Gradually, it will become an open collaborative web space, providing a platform for professors, researchers and students to share knowledge and information.

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UNCTAD and the European network on cultural management and policy (ENCATC) jointly organized an Expert Forum on the Creative Economy in Brussels on 6 April 2016. Participants discussed possible topics for the UNCTAD Creative Economy Report, to be published later this year.

The Integrated Strategic Plan for the Development of the Creative Economy in Cabo Verde elaborated by the Ministry of Culture is now available and it includes some of the recommendations put forward by the UNCTAD/EIF study "Economias Criativas Cabo-Verdianas: Potencializando vocações para um novo desenvolvimento".

UNCTAD participated at the "Forum on Cultural Industries (Macao) 2015" from 17-20 May, under the theme of "region synergy and platform innovation" to discuss strategies for culture and technology innovation, international competitiveness of cultural industries, regional development and cultural creativity.

The report and its findings support the potential of Cabo Verde to capitalize on its rich cultural expressions (music, festivals, handicrafts, gastronomy, tourism and cultural events) to achieve real sustainable development.

​UNCTAD participated at the YEKON Creative Istanbul Ateliers, an intellectual platform that aims to bring together different sectors in the ecosystem of creative industries in Turkey. The event was held on 16-17 April and was supported by the Istanbul Development Agency.